Top Ten Reasons

1	One-on-One Relationship	A caring, loving relationship with a positive adult role model can literally save a child's life. We are committed to high quality one-on-one time with each of our children, encouraging opportunities that foster nurturing, supportive relationships.
2	Long-Term Commitment	There are no quick fixes. We are committed to our children for the long haul - from the first grade through high school graduation. We invest time and energy to ensure that our children succeed. We are with them each step along the way.
3	Serving Vulnerable Children	In coordination with community members, we identify vulnerable children by looking at risk and protective factors. Young children most in danger of school failure, gang involvement, abuse, teenage pregnancy, and criminal behavior are selected for our program.
4	Paid Professionals	Our mentors (called Friends)are full-time paid professionals with previous experience working with children. Hiring full-time employees encourages a long-term commitment to our children. Consistency, reliability and commitment provide a winning combination, which produces postive results.
5	Positive Expectations	Our children will succeed - we believe in them! And our children grow to believe in themselves. Our positive expectations include goal-setting and short and long term plans individualized to each child's needs, ablities and gifts.
6	Manageable Numbers	Each Friend works with eight children, spending at least 4 hours a week with each child. We emphasize high quality, one-on-one time spent between Friend and child.
7	Experiences = Opportunities	We help each of our children reach their unique potential by exploring their talents and interests while teaching life skills. Friends and children learn about our diverse communties and discover the richness and beauty of many cultures together.
8	Early Intervention	The earlier you begin, the stronger the impact you can make. We begin working with our children in the first grade when their hearts and minds are open.
9	Comprehensive Approach	We provide a critical connection within our children's many environments - family, school and community. We tap many resources, accessing youth/family, mental health, substance abuse, health care, and basic needs services.
10	Evaluation Based	We are committed to making a positive difference in our children's lives. We work with independent, third-party evaluators to assess our programs and measure success based on significant outcomes.